Hydromea and SepcoTech Partner to Expand EXRAY Robotics in Scandinavia

Hydromea and SepcoTech have entered a commercial partnership to bring Hydromea's EXRAY subsea inspection system to Scandinavia, focusing initially on naval, defence, maritime and offshore applications. The system inspects submerged and enclosed spaces that are difficult, costly or unsafe to access with divers or conventional tethered ROVs. Combining a tethered mothership vehicle with a compact wireless flyout unit, EXRAY enables inspection of confined flooded spaces while reducing personnel exposure and avoiding unnecessary dry-docking.

 

Details of the Partnership

 

Hydromea has established a regional distribution partnership. It has partnered with SepcoTech for the Scandinavian market. Under the agreement, SepcoTech will represent the EXRAY system. This coverage spans the Scandinavian region. The partnership focuses initially on specific application areas.

The initial focus targets several key sectors. These include naval and defence applications. Maritime and offshore uses are also within scope. This range reflects the system's suitability for critical assets. It positions the partnership to serve demanding inspection needs.

 

The Inspection Challenge

 

The system addresses a difficult inspection problem. Some areas are hard to inspect with conventional methods. These include submerged and enclosed spaces aboard vessels. Ballast tanks and internal structures are examples. Other flooded confined spaces present similar challenges.

Traditional approaches face significant limitations here. Deploying divers into such spaces can be unsafe. Conventional tethered ROVs also struggle in confined areas. Their tethers can snag or become entangled. This creates a clear need for a different approach.

 

How the System Works

 

EXRAY uses a distinctive two-vehicle architecture. It combines a tethered mothership ROV with a wireless flyout vehicle. The mothership operates in open or turbid water. It handles traditional inspection missions. This provides a base for the second vehicle.

The compact flyout vehicle handles confined spaces. It is deployed from the mothership into enclosed areas. It operates wirelessly through a high-speed communications relay. This avoids the entanglement risk of a tether. It transmits HD video to the same operator throughout.

 

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Defence Configuration

 

The system can be adapted for defence requirements. Hydromea can configure it for naval data-handling needs. This includes operation without onboard recording. Controlled data routing is another available option. Customised security architectures complete these capabilities.

These features address specific defence concerns. Naval operators require control over sensitive operational data. The configurable approach supports this requirement. It allows operators to modernise inspection workflows. At the same time, they retain control over sensitive data.

 

Operational Benefits

 

The system offers several practical advantages. It enables inspection continuity from open water into internal structures. This is achieved without sending personnel into the asset. It also avoids investing in additional ROVs. This makes inspections more efficient and safer.

These benefits address key asset owner priorities. The system reduces personnel exposure to hazardous environments. It helps avoid unnecessary dry-docking of vessels. It also improves the speed of inspection data collection. The quality of that data collection is enhanced as well.

 

Significance of the Partnership

 

The partnership offers strong market access for Hydromea. Company leadership described it as a relevant route to market. SepcoTech has experience serving defence and maritime customers. This makes it an ideal partner for the region. It provides a path to naval operators and critical-asset owners.

The partnership addresses a widely recognised need. SepcoTech noted that many inspections occur in impractical locations. Deploying divers or tethered ROVs is often unfeasible there. The system directly addresses this challenge. Its architecture allows safe and efficient confined-space inspection.